A Guide To Sandakphu Trek: Get Ready To Behold The Tallest Peaks In The World
With an altitude of 3627 m, Sandakphu Trek is one of the best mountain escapades in India. Technically, it’s an easy hike. However, the frequent highs and lows through the terrain and an “unpredictable” landscape make it tougher than it seems.
My father often recalls how the Kanchenjunga and its clustering Sleeping Buddha formation almost feel like a roller-coaster ride. He also says that the challenge is understandable, considering you are going to be on four of the tallest mountains in the world. Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse are also there.
However, trekking to Sandakphu, Phalut is not just about mountain vistas. It’s also a soiree of nature. The rhododendrons, with their vibrant appearance and the unique culture of the local livelihood, make this trek an unforgettable experience.
Here, I present a concise guide highlighting the basic details, itinerary, and things you must know about this trekking route in India.
Where Is Sandakphu Trek?
The Sandakphu Mountain Peak is in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. This mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge of the Eastern Himalayas is located at the India and Nepal border.
You will find the peak at the Singalila National Park’s edge, and this trekking route is the “only place to find silver fir and rhododendron forests in the world.”
Sandakphu Trek Route Itinerary
Your Sandakphu trek itinerary will change based on the route you take. You can start your journey from Sepi or Jaubhari. Here, I will share a detailed itinerary of the trek route through Sepi from the New Jalpaiguri or NJP Station.
| Day | Route Covered | Highlights |
| 1st Day | Journey to Sepi (1951 meter altitude) | Dhotrey, Rimbik, Sukhipokhri, and other picturesque locations. Srikhola spring Stay at the teahouse |
| 2nd Day | From Sepi to Gorkhey via Raman-Samanden | Darjeeling Tea Garden Oak and pine forests Stone benches in memory of deceased people Wooden huts Farmlands |
| 3rd Day | Trekking to Phalut from Gorkhey, where you rested the last night | Ramam River Rhododendron forest Sleeping Buddha mountain peaks An encounter with the local people and their culture |
| 4th Day | Trekking to Thakom from Phalut | The amazing Thakom Valley Yaks roaming in the picturesque meadows Rhododendron trees |
| 5th Day | Reaching Aal from Thakom by trekking | Behold the most beautiful sunrise. Look at Kanchenjunga Peaks and get the best view of the Sleeping Buddha formation. |
| 6th Day | Reach Timbure from Aal via Sandakphu | See the snow-capped peaks like Machapuchare, Makalu, Everest, Baruntse, and others. Beautiful Gurdum Village |
| 7th Day | Trek to Srikhola from Timbure. From Srikhola, make an on-road journey to reach New Jalpaiguri. | The green landscape of Srikhola. The hanging wooden bridge over the Srikhola River |
Before you set the itinerary right, you must be vigilant about the altitude changes throughout the route. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker. Knowing the ascend and descend can always help you plan your routes correctly.
Places To Visit During Sandakphu Trek
Replete with flower forests and with the embrace of some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world, the Sandakphu Trek route comes with some of the most unique places. Let’s know about some of these places.
Tonglu
Tonglu is in the Singalila Ridge. Despite being one of the highest peaks in the ridge, it offers the most amazing resting place for the trekkers. The crystal clear water of Tonglu Lake shimmers with light, and the surrounding pine and oak trees make the place look out of the world.
Also, Tonglu offers the greatest views of the Kanchenjunga and Singalila ranges.
Tumling
Tumling offers a slice of the Nepali culture in this Sandakphu trekking route. This small village, a little away from the Singalila National Park check post, looks pretty with streaks of brown and green.
Chitrey
At 8,340ft altitude, Chitrey, a small village, is like a spiritual retreat for trekkers. Further, you can have an immersive experience at the monastery after a steep trek of around 1.5 km. Don’t miss the pillars indicating the India and Nepal border.
Bikeybhanjan
The Bikeybhanjan trail is one of the trickiest parts of the Sandakphu Trek. The steepness of the slope here is deadly. This is the place where you can feel altitude sickness. However, the view of the flowers, vegetation and the mountain vistas will keep you going.
Manebhanjan
In the midst of mountains and jungles, Manebhanjan is a place to explore the mountain vistas. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the vintage Land Rovers.
Phalut
Phalut is West Bengal’s second-highest peak. The Falutians, the local tribe, call it home. So, it is like a textbook for learning new cultures. You will also love the rhododendrons here.
Srikhola
My father says that if for nothing else, you can trek to Sandakphu to cherish the mesmerizing beauty of Srikhola. There are very few places in the world where you will find rhododendrons, birches, oaks, chestnuts, and magnolias together.
Crossing the hanging wooden bridge and fishing in the river are other fun activities here.
How Difficult Is Sandakphu Trek?
Trek Distance: 55-65 kms
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trekking Duration: 6-7 Days
Sandakphu trek route is easy to moderate if you exclusively talk about the difficulty level. However, it’s difficult. You see the brightest Sunrays once, and the next moment, you can experience a massive downpour. Further, it can be extremely cold after sunset.
Also, as the trek will continue for 6-7 days, you need to bring your A-game to your mental and physical fitness. To cover the entire route in a week, you will have to cover around 11-13 km every day. So, even for a seasoned trekker, it will take around 7-8 hours. It becomes difficult to maintain the right breathing pattern through the long journey.
In order to complete this route, you will have to start prior training. Your training regime should include:
⁍ Regular cardiovascular exercise
⁍ Endurance and strength training, especially for the legs
⁍ Meditation or other breathing exercise
⁍ High-altitude training
Among cardiovascular exercises, running or cycling will be the most beneficial exercise for you. You should start these physical activities at least 7 days before the trek. In addition, your strength and endurance activities will be focused more on building and strengthening leg muscles.
First-Hand Expert Tips:
⁍ Mental and physical endurance levels differ from one person to another. Even if the route is known to have easy to moderate difficulty levels, it’s a tough one. So, a solo trek to Sandakphu Phalut is never recommended.
⁍ Get in touch with a mountaineering group or trainers for assessments and preparations toward conquering the hiking trails.
⁍ With the gradual gain of height, you may experience altitude sickness. There have been instances of death due to altitude sickness. So, maintain communication with your team and ensure the team has enough provisions for CPR.
⁍ Have a word with your trek mentor before you begin the trek for the day. Also, keep the trekking map and compass handy and ensure they are functioning well as you begin the journey.
⁍ The local people running tea shops and small eateries are very helpful. Most of them are Buddhists, and you must seek help from them whenever there is a turn of weather or events. Also, having a local member on your team is a great advantage.
What Is The Best Time For Sandakphu Trek?
The best time for the Sandakphu trek will depend on what you want to explore the most. Having said that, spring and autumn are the best seasons for trekking this route.
Also, don’t forget to check the table below that explains the things you can expect to see in each season.
| Season of Visit | Months | Weather Conditions | Things to See | Challenges |
| Spring | April to May | Daytime Temperature: Around 7-12 degree Celsius Nighttime Temperature: It can reach below zero degrees. | Magnolias in full bloom. Rhododendron flowers are in pink, red, white, and scarlet shades. | The sky can get cloudy sometimes, hindering clear views of the mountain peaks. |
| Autumn | October to Early December | Daytime Temperature: Around 5-10 degrees Celsius. Nighttime Temperature: Around -1 to -6 degrees Celsius | Clear view of Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse | You will not find rhododendrons or magnolia flowers during this season. The roads may look dull, devoid of flowers. |
However, if you want to experience Sandakphu as a snowy paradise, you must visit it during the months of January and February. The crowd is also much less during the winter months. So, if you are a recluse and you want the most spiritual experience, winter is your season for the Sandakphu trek.
Don’t Miss To Make The Most Of Local Cuisine When You Visit
It does not matter which season you attempt the Sandakphu trek. You must not forget to cherish the local cuisine. As they say, knowing a culture begins with trying the food.
Further, the taste of food here is very different from what you usually have. Each item is a great fusion of Tibetan and Nepalese culinary cuisines.
The simplest squash momos are filling, and the chutney is just a fire bomb! On that note, don’t forget to bring back some Dalle Khursani or the spiciest chilies in the world. I have tried some of the chutney recipes my father passed on to me, and each time, I was left stunned by its distinct flavor.
Two other food items that my father used to mention were the Nepali Thukpa and the most flavorful Bhukiya Roti. This simple bread tastes good with fruit jam.
In addition, Nepalese butter tea is a beverage that will keep your stamina high and warm in the crazy cold hours. You can have the best butter tea in Meghma and Tonglu villages.
How Much Is The Sandakphu Trek Package?
It is difficult to give an exact figure for the Sandakphu trek package or any other high-altitude trekking. Sudden changes in the weather conditions or the season you are visiting the mountains can have a massive impact on the budget.
Also, each travel agency has a distinct package designed based on the route and duration. Having said that, the cost of the Sandakphu trek will be around INR 10000 to 16000.
The budget will include the following factors.
⁍ Transportation to Sepi or the starting point of the trek.**
⁍ Hotel accommodation.
⁍ Buying or renting gear and equipment
⁍ Food and water
⁍ Snacking items
⁍ Medicines and hygiene essentials
⁍ Shopping and additional expenses
⁍ Porters and mules expenses
⁍ Forest and camping permits
** Transportation costs will differ based on the mode you pick. There are three ways to reach Sepi. You can take a flight to the Bagdogra airport and hire a taxi to Sepi.
If you are traveling by train, you will have to reach the New Jalpaiguri Junction first. From there, you can take a cab, or the trekking organization you are traveling with can arrange a shared ride to Sepi.
Further, if you are traveling from Siliguri, you can take a bus to Ghoom. From Ghoom, you will get shared jeep rides that will take you to Sepi in around 8 hours.
Final Words
With the Everest cluster on your left, reaching the summit of the Sandakphu trek is a lifetime experience. Cliched it may sound, but with the highest mountains gracing the trekking route, it is nothing short of a hiker’s paradise.
Even if you are not an earnest trekker, the beauty of the orchids in hundreds of species, rhododendrons, and magnolias will cast a spell on you. Further, you will get to see many birds on your route, and the encounter with the local culture will be like a chef’s kiss. In addition, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the red pandas at the Singalila National Park.
I hope this trekking guide has addressed most of your queries regarding trekking to Sandakphu. Is there anything else you want to know about this beautiful trekking route? Don’t forget to mention your queries in the comment box below.
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